### 50

When combat commenced, Zashnor sent a telepathic command to its Imperial Zlanbeast to assist it in the fight. The creature took off from the pier and commenced a flight over the raging estuary in a wide circle in order to best position itself to launch an attack on you from the rear. At the start of the seventh round, it comes swooping low along the deck behind you. It stabs at you with its sharp horny beak before the momentum of its attack carries it past and it soars away into the clouds.

In the seventh round, Zashnor’s COMBAT SKILL increases to 59. Its ENDURANCE points total increases by 5 points. The COMBAT SKILL increase lasts only for the seventh round and represents a temporary bonus that the Nadziran receives from the Imperial Zlanbeast’s attack. If you survive the seventh round, the Imperial Zlanbeast will no longer be a part of the combat in any further rounds.

At the start of the eighth round, you may deduct Zashnor’s COMBAT SKILL bonus. This will return its COMBAT SKILL to 54. The increase of 5 points it gained to its ENDURANCE in the seventh round remains.

If you win the combat, turn to 276.